Emma felt a warmth in her chest, the kind that wasn’t just from the cocoa.“You’re impossible,” she teased lightly, though her voice betrayed the flutter in her heart.
He chuckled.“Maybe. But I hope that’s a good thing.”
They stopped at the little park near the river, where fairy lights reflected on the icy surface. Lucas gestured toward a bench.“Sit with me for a bit?”
Emma nodded, and they settled down, shoulders brushing. The quiet was comfortable, broken only by the soft whisper of snow landing on the ground.
“I like this,” Emma murmured.“No crowds, no chaos… just… us.”
Lucas’s gaze softened.“Me too.” He shifted closer, their hands brushing tentatively.“Emma… can I tell you something?”
Her heart skipped.“Of course.”
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly.“I think… I’ve been wanting to do this since the snowball fight.” He gently took her hand, holding it in his.“Being with you… it feels right. And I don’t want to waste another moment.”
Emma felt her cheeks flush, her heart pounding in her chest.“Lucas…” she whispered, unable to stop the smile spreading across her face.
He leaned in slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away. When she didn’t, he closed the small distance between them, pressing a gentle, tentative kiss to her lips. It was soft, warm, and full of promise.
Emma melted into it, her hands resting on his shoulders. When they finally pulled back, both were smiling, breaths mingling in the cold air.
“Wow,” Emma whispered, laughing softly.“That… was perfect.”
Lucas grinned.“Perfect?” He brushed a strand of hair from her face.“I was hoping you’d say unforgettable.”
Emma laughed again, leaning her head on his shoulder.“Unforgettable works too.”
As the snow continued to fall around them, Emma realized that some moments didn’t need grand gestures. Sometimes, a quiet evening, shared warmth, and a first kiss under the snowflakes were more than enough to make a memory last forever.
Chapter 7:
Playful Confessions
The next morning, The Page Turner buzzed with its usual quiet energy. Emma was arranging the new arrivals when she noticed Lucas leaning casually against the doorway, holding two steaming cups of coffee.
“Morning,” he said with a grin.“Thought you might need this.”
Emma raised an eyebrow, accepting the cup.“Are you trying to win‘Most Thoughtful Visitor’again?”
Lucas chuckled.“Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing you smile in the morning.”
Emma felt a flutter in her chest.“You’re really impossible,” she teased, shaking her head.
“Maybe I am,” he said, pretending to look innocent.“But you seem to like it.”
They wandered through the store together, talking about everything from Emma’s favorite cozy mysteries to Lucas’s secret love for old vinyl records. Their hands brushed occasionally, lingering a moment longer than necessary, and every touch sent sparks through Emma’s chest.
“So,” Lucas said, pausing at a display of travel books,“if you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
Emma thought for a moment.“Somewhere snowy, like here… but maybe a tiny cabin in the mountains, with a fireplace and endless books. What about you?”
Lucas grinned.“Somewhere with music. Jazz, cafes, and a view of the city lights. And maybe someone to share it with.” He glanced at her, eyes soft.
Emma laughed softly, heart racing.“You’re really smooth, you know that?”
“Only when necessary,” Lucas replied, winking.
As the day went on, they found themselves stealing quiet moments together—sharing a secret nook behind the poetry section, laughing over silly book titles, and teasing each other about who could read the fastest. It was playful, intimate, and entirely comfortable.
